No bail for Verdi murder suspect; prelim set for Aug. 18

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - MAY 11 UPDATE: A man accused of killing his former girlfriend near Verdi has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 18 in Reno Justice Court.

Jesce Paul Richt, 40, had an initial appearance Thursday in Reno Justice Court on charges of open murder with a deadly weapon and illegally possessing a weapon.

The preliminary hearing will determine if there is enough evidence for the case against Richt to continue. If Richt is bound over to Washoe District Court, he will enter pleas to the charges.

Richt did not request a bail hearing, with his attorney saying it would only produce prejudicial testimony against him.

The justice of the peace allowed limited testimony from the lead detective who described Richt stalking the victim in the days before the murder and from her sister saying the family had ample reason to fear him.

Richt was held without bail.

ORIGINAL STORY: A man wanted for an April murder in Verdi has been returned to Washoe County.

Jesce Richt was arrested Apr. 24 in Clark County. He was booked into the Washoe County Jail Thursday. Last week a judge ordered him to be returned to Washoe County within 7 days.

Richt is accused in the Apr. 18 murder of Jennifer Griffin.